For Kalie, dealing with a life-threatening blood disorder– means she’ll always have to be monitored and treated to manage its symptoms. And she doesn’t know when the next bout of pain, infections and anemia are coming.

A hard burden to face, Kalie now draws on the memory of her Make-A-Wish® experience to stay positive and upbeat.

Dr. Jonathan Bernstein – Kalie’s pediatric oncologist – often refers kids for wishes because he is convinced of the positive force of a wish experience.

After he referred Kalie, wish granters visited her to learn her one true wish – to be a supermodel. Her choice wasn’t a surprise to Dr. Bernstein.

“She’s always been very stylish – and very smart!” he says.

Wish granters went to work to create an amazing day for Kalie.

Thirteen-year-old Kalie’s day starts off with a limousine ride to her modeling lesson, followed by a trip to the studio for a photo shoot.

Then the Macy’s Las Vegas staff helps Kalie get ready for the runway, selecting several outfits for a fashion show later that day. Kalie also receives a makeover from Macy’s experts.

“It was awesome to be pampered and fussed over by everyone,” Kalie says.

The new model even has bodyguards to keep pesky paparazzi at by during her makeup session. But Kalie doesn’t let the fame go to her head – she takes time out of her day for lunch with her friends.

Not too long though, it’s time for Kalie to take to the Las Vegas Fashion Show mall’s runway, complete with spectacular lighting and billboard-sized video screens. Kalie is thrilled by the flash of cameras and applause from her friends, family and fans.

Michael E. Minden Diamond Jewelers then presents her with a watch as a keepsake of her modeling debut.

Kalie says from the time she requested her wish she felt her spirits lift up with something else to think about than her illness.

“Focusing on the future was exactly the medicine I needed,” she says.

Dr. Bernstein agrees. He sees how Kalie – usually a bit shy during visits – seems more spirited and outgoing after her wish came true.

Kalie gets a manicure to prepare for her moment on the runway

Kalie gets a makeover at Macy's

Macy's associates give Kalie a supermodel makeover

Kalie gets ready for the runway

Kalie walks the runway with confidence

Kalie's wish experience gives her optimism for the future

She has a better outlook on life and a better outlook on the future.
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Join the conversation

13
Comments

Paigton

I have Sickle Cell Too. And its nice too see someone else that goes through the same things as me , and we are close too age im 15. Im already getting started on making my wish. And i think its an amazing thing that you guys at Make A Wish do, Thanx

July 24, 2009 - 9:02 AM

June 25, 2012 - 11:25 AM

June 25, 2012 - 11:25 AM

Lisa Johnson

Good for you kalie my 11year old son suffers from this horrible decies and it puts a smile on my face that at least for a day you can fLive out your dream,thanks to make a wish foundation,The people who makes these dreams come true are very carding people and there angels...thank you,and Kalie you are always in I and my family will keep you in our prayers....

May 11, 2013 - 7:10 AM

Josie H.

I have sickle cell anemia, too!!! You're also very beautiful. It must have rocked to show your natural talent!!1

May 19, 2013 - 2:14 PM

Erin

I have sickle cell also and to see her wish come true give me hope in my own hopes and wishes. i am so happy for her.

June 15, 2013 - 10:08 AM

amanda

Kalie, you are a beautiful young lady. You definitely could be a model.

July 22, 2013 - 9:41 AM

Courtney

That is so amazing and so sweet of them to do this for her. I love how she is lit up getting her nails done. Every child should be fussed over.

August 09, 2014 - 5:43 PM

mary

That great you're a beautiful young lady.I hope someone is able to grant my niece a wish

That was a very touching and wonderful story. I just referred my Grand Daughter and she suffers with a hematologic disorder, too. I see there are other stories that I am anxious to read. This is a wonderful Organization!

December 02, 2014 - 4:10 PM

Shannon

God Bless you you are pretty young lady and I hope God bless your purpose in life and never give up

December 12, 2014 - 8:50 PM

Zarea

OMG! I have sickle cell too and every year I go to camp new hope a camp for kids with sickle cell I'm glad to see people looking on the bright side.